Virginia Nell Smith Crowell

Mrs. Virginia Nell Smith Crowell, age 85 daughter of William Smith and Sarah Banner, passed away on January 19, 2009. She was born May 18, 1923, in Surry County, NC, graduated as valedictorian of Queens College and later earned two Master's degrees from Emory University and U.N.C. Charlotte. She began as a Teacher of religion in public schools, later teaching in other schools and Surry Community College as well. For a time, she worked as Director of Christian Education for various churches. She actively volunteered with Central United Methodist Church, Surry County Museum and Surry County Historical Society. She participated in Entre Nous Book Club, and a needlepoint guild. She was instrumental in starting the Stephen ministry at Central United Methodist Church. She is survived by three brothers and sisters-in-law, Kennett and Marjorie Smith of Winston Salem, Banner and Jean Smith of Tucker, GA, William Hines and Lavina Smith of Lenoir, NC; a brother-in-law, Mack Daughtry of Faison, NC nieces and nephews Luther E. Smith, Edward R. Smith, Cyrus W. Smith, Bryan T. Smith, Daryl Smith, Delia Smith, Colin Y. Smith, Melinda Knowles, Maureen Smith, Leonard C. Smith, Kyle B. Smith, Margaret Coleman, Douglas Daughtry, Dusty Trent Daughtry and Timothy Daughtry and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Crowell was preceded in death by one sister, Gertrude Prather Smith Daughtry. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Central United Methodist Church by Rev. John Ferree with burial to follow in Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 24, 2009 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorials to be made to either the Stephen Ministry or Restoration Fund at Central United Methodist Church, 1909 N. Main St., Mt. Airy, NC 27030. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com